News

New article publishedFindings from the feasibility study at age 21-23 years have been published as part of an invited review of DASH

DASH study findings presented at Kings College LondonEthnic differences in childhood overweight and blood pressure could present risks for diabetes and vascular disease in adulthood.

DASH reports educational success despite racism and deprivationRacism and deprivation is still a common experience for young people from ethnic minorities, yet despite this, high proportions are gaining a degree.

DASH participants report racism as a common experienceEarlier this year DASH researchers presented our findings on racism - what does this mean for mental health?

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Welcome to the DASH study zone for researchers.

You can find out more about the study and about using DASH data.

Researchers

BackgroundThe overall aim of DASH is to examine social and biological influences on the health of adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds in London. In 2003, over 6,500 pupils aged 11-13 years took part in the study.

In late 2005/early 2006, these pupils were followed-up to see whether their health and social circumstances had changed since the original study.

The pupils were from 51 schools, spread across 10 boroughs (Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Lambeth, Newham, Southwark, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth). These areas were selected to ensure that we have pupils from a range of ethnic backgrounds.

Why DASH is importantSome ethnic groups have above average levels of heart disease, high blood pressure and poor mental health in adulthood. For example, diabetes and high blood pressure are 2-3 times more common among Black Caribbeans than among Whites.

We need to understand what causes these health differences in adulthood and at what age they begin to emerge.

We are studying whether experiences in adolescence can explain any of the ethnic differences in chronic disease in later life.

DASH examines how social (e.g. family life and school life) and biological (e.g. growth) factors influence the health (e.g. blood pressure, lung function, psychological well-being) of young people from different ethnic backgrounds.